“to everything there is a season” is a favorite verse of mine, and very evident when you live outdoors with nature. Part of the beauty of winter is its “lack” of growth, which gives us a chance to catch up with our jobs in progress before thestart of another growing season. We need the “lack” of something to appreciate the “having” of that something
We have a bald eagle that has taken up wintertime residence at the ranch. We will see him most every day in one of the taller trees, or gliding above the fields and buildings. Eagles are beautiful and majestic birds, and we enjoy watching them, however, as with most things in nature, there can be a downside to their presence also. In the past we have had them feast on our poultry, and we watch our cats closely, as they also can easily become a meal. Young goats and sheep can also become intended prey, so we have moved our lambing and kidding times into May, when many of the predators [including four legged ones] have moved on or already raised their young. All part of nature’s cycles.
December 21st, the first day of Spring….or so I like to envision in my mind. It helps to make for a shorter winter. The daylight hours get longer, and it’s just the temperature that takes a little catching up. And speaking of catching up, winter is a good time to do lots of the jobs outdoors while everything is dormant and on a break; a good time to clear brush, fix fence and facilities, and work on many jobs that nature is not trying to have her way with! Have a great spring!
Curiosity and hope….the two things we need most in life.
I love the lyrics to that song, but at this time of year our biggest challenge is to keep our purpose foremost when we’re busy, busy, busy! Fruits of the Spirit are harder to live when it’s hot and muggy and there’s always more work than we can get done. It’s been a great summer for people coming to the ranch and experiencing the beauty of God’s nature. We finally received our federal 501 c 3 tax exempt status, and have had our first intern staying on the ranch. Our riding program has been well received and used, and we have interacted and met lots of great people as they stay with us. We have had MANY children help us feed all the animals, and our day camps in June we’re successful with the help of counselors, staff, and volunteers. Soon it’s fall, another beautiful time of year at the ranch, so watch for a little more informative blog as we get caught up.
…and a time to every purpose under heaven. We’ve entered haying season, and have serviced all our equipment and are waiting for a few days of dry forecasts to start putting up feed for our animals for next winter. We have also planted about an acre of corn [with pumpkins to follow in a month or less] for our fall activities. At this point we wait on nature to supply the needed inputs, knowing all the while that we can’t control those things and people outside ourselves….only the way we feel and how we react to what we’re given. A constant reminder of the serenity prayer “Lord, help me to accept the things I cannot change, give me courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
